Tincan Creek 2008-2009
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The highway trip to the mine |
One of the coolest things that happened in our 2008 mining season was that my Mom & Dad were able to come to Alaska for a few weeks. I sure enjoyed being able to spend time with them. My Dad & I were able to make it up to our claims on tincan creek for some backcountry prospecting. We hiked to the upper end of our claims and were blessed with perfect weather.
I believe I caught my dads passion for the outdoors at a pretty early age. I can remember him teaching me about the outdoors while growing up in New Mexico. Every year he would take me backpacking into the Gila Wilderness for up to 9 days at a time. He taught me how to hunt, fish, and of course we always had a gold pan handy! One lesson he taught me was that I should always leave a place looking as If I had never been there, and if I found a mess, I should leave the place better than I found it. When I see trashed campsites and garbage left behind it make me wish more folks had taught that lesson to their kids that too.
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Every good trek into the backcountry should begin with insuring all the necessary survival gear is on hand and properly packed. Dad had a can of bear spray, and found him the right walking stick. I had my 12 guage with 3 1/2 inch slugs just in case the grizzly did'nt like the taste of bear spray! I dont think Dad liked that setup, but was glad he didnt have to lug the shotgun. |
| Dad ready to go! |
The first part of our hike is along the steep rim of the canyon overlooking our claims on Tincan. you get an idea of the kind of challenges involved in getting our equipment into and even more exciting (out of) the canyon. But, if you want the gold, you have to go where it is to get it. While hiking we sample and check places to try and locate the sources of the gold thats deposited in the creek. The view from above the canyon gives a good idea of where the primary gold deposits in the canyon might be found, such as areas where the water slows down and leaves boulders piled up. |
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| The steep canyon below! |
We made our way around a mountain that separate what we call the "upper" and "lower" part of our claims. The upper part is vastly different. The steep walled canyon forrested in alders & hemlock trees gives way to a wide mountain valley with rolling hills covered in tundra. This continues all the way to the two glaciers that form the headwaters of the creek. Our claims cover a distance of about 4 miles total.
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Dad at the top |
The upper end of the mine |
Gold panning |
Summer comes pretty late at this elevation in Alaska. You can see all the snow that was still around, and this was in August. We found a bit of color, but still no mother lode! It was getting pretty late in the evening and the truck was a 4 hour hike away so we headed back.
We really enjoyed the trip, the best part were the memories.
I just want to say that I owe so much to my folks and could never thank them enough for giving me so much of there time, resources, patience, and love. My Dad gave me the silver mine he once owned in Colorado to sell so I would have the money to buy the claims we now have on Tincan creek. He also have me the first set of jewelry tools I still use to this day.
Thanks Dad!